Navigating Denver’s Wildfire Season: Protecting Your Indoor Air Quality

As Denver residents prepare for wildfire season, one critical yet often overlooked concern is indoor air quality. With smoke, ash, and other airborne pollutants threatening the safety of our homes, understanding how to protect your indoor environment is more important than ever.

How Wildfire Smoke Impacts Indoor Air Quality in Denver

Wildfire smoke carries harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These contaminants are tiny enough to bypass basic air filters and make their way into your home, affecting your health and comfort.

Even if your windows and doors are closed, smoke can infiltrate through HVAC systems, exhaust fans, or any small gaps. That means your family is still at risk unless proactive steps are taken.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters During Fire Season

When smoke infiltrates your home, it doesn't just smell bad—it poses serious health risks. Poor indoor air quality can:

• Trigger asthma and allergy symptoms

• Cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue

• Exacerbate existing respiratory conditions

• Affect sleep and concentration

• Lead to long-term health problems with prolonged exposure

Maintaining clean air during fire season is essential for everyone, especially children, seniors, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Tips to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality During Wildfires

Here are some practical steps Denver homeowners can take:

Upgrade Your HVAC Air Filters

Switch to high-efficiency MERV 13 or HEPA filters. These are designed to trap fine particles like wildfire smoke and prevent them from circulating through your home.

Use Air Purifiers

Invest in portable air purifiers with HEPA filters and activated carbon. Place them in frequently used rooms, especially bedrooms and living areas.

Seal Leaks and Drafts

Inspect windows, doors, and attic spaces for air leaks. Use weather stripping and caulking to seal any gaps that could let smoke inside.

Run Your HVAC System on Recirculate Mode

Set your HVAC system to recirculate so it doesn't draw in outdoor air. This helps prevent additional pollutants from entering your home.

Limit Indoor Pollution

Avoid burning candles, using fireplaces, or cooking with gas stoves during wildfire alerts, as these can further decrease indoor air quality.

Protect Your Home with Hartzell’s Whole-Home Air Scrubber

For superior protection, Hartzell Heating & Air Conditioning recommends installing a whole-home air scrubber system. Unlike standard air purifiers, our advanced air scrubber uses ActivePure® technology to neutralize smoke particles, eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses, and reduce VOCs—right at the source.

Key benefits of the Hartzell air scrubber:

• Attaches directly to your existing HVAC system

• Continuously cleans air throughout your entire home

• Removes 99% of airborne contaminants, including smoke and allergens

• Requires minimal maintenance once installed

• Trusted technology used in hospitals and schools

During Denver’s wildfire season, the Hartzell air scrubber acts as your invisible shield—keeping your air clean, fresh, and safe.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and breathe easier all year long.

Stay Informed with Local Air Quality Resources

Denver residents can monitor air quality using tools like:

• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)

• AirNow.gov – Track real-time pollution levels by zip code

• PurpleAir – Community air monitoring network

Stay alert and adjust your indoor air management strategies based on these updates.

Conclusion

Wildfires are a growing concern for Colorado homeowners, but your home doesn’t have to suffer. With the right HVAC practices and solutions like Hartzell’s air scrubber, you can protect your Denver indoor air quality and your family’s health all year long. Don’t wait—prepare now and enjoy clean air no matter the season.